Hawai‘i’s premier leadership event is back, bringing together professionals, executives, and changemakers for a full day of insight, connection, and growth. Expect candid conversations with respected leaders, interactive workshops that challenge your thinking, and real tools to help you lead with impact. Meet people who move the needle in their industries—and walk away with ideas you can act on immediately.
Luke Williams is one of the world’s leading management thinkers on innovation strategy and leadership. He has worked with leading companies across the globe and is a dynamic and sought-after keynote speaker, having lectured in 21 countries and addressed the United Nations General Assembly and the World Innovation Forum. Williams is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, Founder of NYU Innovation Labs & CEO of Meta Idea Labs, an innovation strategy consultancy. He is the inventor of 30+ U.S. patents and has designed more than 100 products in industries ranging from transportation to finance, and healthcare to consumer electronics. His views are regularly featured in media ranging from Bloomberg Business Week and Fast Company to The Wall Street Journal and The Economist. He is the author of the international bestseller, Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business.
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Keynote: Luke Williams
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Innovations by Hawai‘i’s New Generation of Leaders
Turn On Your Emotional Intelligence to Lead
Successful Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams
11:30-12:30 p.m.
Negotiation Skills Masterclass
Navigating Difficult Colleagues
The State of Business in Hawai‘i: Navigating Change, Driving Impact
12:30-1:45 p.m.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
Is Diversity Still Alive in Hawai‘i?
Leading in the Age of Innovation: Embracing Change and Disruption
3:15-4:15 p.m.
Alaska Airlines Giveaway
Innovations by Hawai‘i’s New Generation of Leaders
Across the Islands, new leaders have taken the helm at some of the state’s most important organizations. These recently appointed CEO will describe what it takes to navigate complex transitions and how they are innovating for long-term impact while gaining the necessary buy-in from employees.
Turn On Your Emotional Intelligence to Lead
Great leaders inspire, motivate and foster strong relationships, and they relate and connect to many of their followers. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of all that. This session explores how to build up and use your EQ components like self-awareness, empathy and resilience to navigate challenges and build trust.
Successful Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams
You need flexible skills and tools to lead remote and hybrid workplaces. This session explores how to foster collaboration, maintain engagement and build a strong team culture across distances. And learn practical ways to build accountability and measure productivity when you can’t see if your workers are actually sitting at their desks.
Negotiation Skills Masterclass
Successful negotiation is more than just closing deals: It’s about building relationships, finding win-win solutions and confidently advocating for your interests. This masterclass equips you with proven techniques to communicate effectively, navigate tough conversations and achieve better outcomes in any negotiation.
Navigating Difficult Colleagues
If you work with some difficult colleagues or subordinates, we can help. This session will provide practical strategies to manage conflicts, communicate with clarity and foster productive relationships in tough situations.
The State of Business in Hawai‘i: Navigating Change, Driving Impact
As the state navigates a pivotal moment in its economic journey, the path forward calls for recovery, reinvention, and sustainable growth. In this timely panel, Hawai‘i leaders share insights on the current economy, emerging opportunities, and the pressing issues local businesses face, including workforce development and the need for long-term resilience.
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
Storytelling is a powerful tool for everyone – including leaders, entrepreneurs, salespeople and marketers – to inspire, influence and connect with employees and customers. Learn techniques for crafting compelling narratives, communicating your vision effectively and using personal stories to build trust and influence.
Is Diversity Still Alive in Hawai‘i?
DEI programs are being shut down nationwide. But our panel will make the case that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can still make sense for your organization – and help build valuable strengths within your workforce plus drive innovation and success.
Leading in the Age of Innovation: Embracing Change and Disruption
Innovation is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, challenging leaders to adapt, rethink strategies and drive change. This session explores how to embrace disruption, foster a culture of innovation and lead with agility in an ever-evolving landscape.
CEO Chronicles
Meet some of our featured speakers below. We’ll be sharing even more soon!
Alison Vasconcellos is the Human Resources Learning Specialist at ALTRES, where she designs and leads practical, career-focused training programs. With over 30 years of operations management experience across multiple industries, she now focuses on developing Hawaiʻi’s workforce. Alison is passionate about empowering individuals to grow in their careers and build stronger teams.
Christine Camp is the CEO of Avalon Group and the force behind “DoHo,” the revitalization of Downtown Honolulu through the acquisition of eight buildings in two years. A leader in real estate, banking, and community development, she has overseen over $500 million in investments since founding Avalon in 1999. Her national influence with the Urban Land Institute and recognition as Developer, Power, and CEO of the Year reflect her visionary impact.
Daniel Chun leads community and cultural relations, government affairs, and sales in Hawai‘i for the newly merged Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. With over 20 years in Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, he also serves on several community boards. A Honolulu native, Daniel holds a degree in travel industry management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
David Hijirida is the President of ProService Hawaii, bringing 25 years of leadership experience across banking, fintech, and Amazon. He specializes in product development, technology, and operations, and is committed to building a strong ownership culture. A Punahou graduate, he holds degrees from MIT, Cornell, and Wharton.
Gina Anonuevo serves as Vice Chair, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer at First Hawaiian Bank, where she has held leadership roles since 2006. A former FDIC and California State Bank Examiner, she also sits on the bank’s Senior Management Committee and Foundation board. Gina is a Pacific Coast Banking School graduate and serves on the board of the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Ian Kitajima is President of PICHTR and a co-founder of Design Thinking Hawaii, known for bridging innovation, education, and community impact. As a “tech sherpa,” he helps translate complex technologies into practical, human-centered solutions. His work spans AI education, agtech in public schools, and tech pathways for defense markets—always with a focus on purpose, scale, and inclusion.
Jennifer Oyer is the Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Community Impact Advisors, where she helps nonprofits nationwide grow their impact through strategic philanthropy. A CFRE and faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy, she’s known for fostering joyful giving and nonprofit sustainability. She serves on the boards of AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy and Abilities Unlimited Hawaii, and was named one of Hawaii Business Magazine’s 20 for the Next 20.
Kāwika McKeague is President of G70 and a Kanaka Maoli planner with over 26 years of experience integrating indigenous knowledge into planning and design. He champions culturally grounded, environmentally responsible solutions across sectors, ensuring Native Hawaiian values are central to the process. His work reflects a deep commitment to honoring people and place through cultural stewardship.
Lori Kahikina is the Executive Director and CEO of HART, overseeing the design and construction of the nation’s first automated commuter rail system. Previously, she served as Director of Environmental Services for the City and County of Honolulu. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Civil Engineer.
Meli James is the co-founder of Mana Up, a Hawai‘i-based accelerator, venture fund, and retail platform supporting the next generation of local consumer brands. She is also president of the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association and a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Woman to Watch, Meli serves on several boards and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. She is a graduate of Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan is the Founder and CEO of Oceanit, a “Mind to Market” company that develops global technology solutions across aerospace, energy, IT, and life sciences. Since founding Oceanit in 1985, he has also led multiple private equity spinouts in healthcare, industrial tech, and beyond. He is a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, and author focused on turning breakthrough research into real-world impact.
Robert Harrison is Chairman, President, and CEO of First Hawaiian, Inc. and First Hawaiian Bank, bringing over 35 years of experience in the financial industry. Since joining the bank in 1996, he has served in key roles including COO and Chief Risk Officer. A U.S. Navy veteran, he also chairs the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation and serves on several local boards. Harrison holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA and an MBA from Cornell.
Scott Simon is the founder of Simon Leadership Group, where he coaches leaders and teams through a blend of insight, action, and real-world experience. With a background in law, engineering, and corporate communication, he launched his firm in 2013 to support difference-makers across sectors. He is also an active community volunteer and a proud husband, father, and volleyball coach.
Stephan Edwards is the President of Systemcenter, a second-generation commercial furniture dealership with operations spanning from Hawai‘i to the East Coast and Asia. Since 2010, he has expanded the company’s global reach while maintaining strong ties to the local community. He is also the Founder of Marketplace Software, creator of e-manage|ONE, and serves as President of the Hawaiian Island Freight Association.
Sterling Higa is Founder and CEO of Polcom, a leadership, strategy and technology consultancy. Previously, he co-founded Housing Hawaii’s Future, a housing advocacy nonprofit. Sterling serves as Chair of the Hawaii Community Development Authority. He lives in Honolulu with his wife and four children.
Tracie Foglia is the Talent Solutions Manager at HEC, where she helps organizations align talent strategies with business goals. With over 20 years of experience in consulting, coaching, and workforce development, she builds programs that attract and retain top talent. Tracie is known for her people-first approach and brings both neighbor island and global perspectives to her work.
Yunji de Nies co-hosts Spotlight Now on Hawaii News Now and hosts Insights and Kakou: Hawaii’s Townhall on PBS Hawai‘i. A former White House correspondent for ABC News, she also anchored evening news at KITV. Yunji is a graduate of Yale and UC Berkeley, and a current Omidyar Fellow. She serves on the boards of Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Child & Family Service.
